Search Results (294)

Background: Hip fractures in older adults are sentinel events linked to high mortality and functional decline. Few studies have quantified long-term survival probabilities, standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), and risks of new nursing home admission alongside patient-related predictors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 355 patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent hip fracture surgery at a general hospital in Japan (2020–2024). Primary outcomes were mortality and new nursing home admission. Survival probabilities and remaining life expectancy were estimated, and SMRs were calculated using age- and sex-matched national data. Cox regression identified independent predictors. Results: Mean age was 84 years; 76% were female. Mortality probabilities at 1, 2, and 3 years were 23%, 41%, and 60%, respectively; SMRs consistently exceeded 9. Median remaining life expectancy was 260 days. New nursing home admissions occurred in 42%, with cumulative probabilities of 16%, 27%, and 35% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively, showing a rapid rise within 9 months. Independent predictors of mortality were delayed surgery, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, and low Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index. Older age and failure to regain ambulatory ability at 3 months predicted institutionalization. Conclusions: Older adults with hip fractures face persistently high mortality and institutionalization risks, comparable to advanced malignancies or neurodegenerative diseases. Surgical timing, comorbidities, nutrition, and functional recovery critically influence prognosis and should guide perioperative care and discharge planning. Full article

Considering sustainable consumption not just as an exercise of individual choice but a shared and collective activity, this study explores the role of conscious and responsible consumption initiatives (CRCIs) driving citizens’ adoption of sustainable lifestyles. This research followed a qualitative approach, combining documentary research and twenty-six in-depth interviews with practitioners in eight grassroots consumer initiatives located in Galicia (Spain). The results show that CRCIs favor members’ consumption of organic, seasonal, fair, and locally produced food. The findings also reveal that engagement in these initiatives nurtures three interconnected types of learning—cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral—which contribute to wider adoption of sustainable practices related to shifts in dietary habits, energy use, mobility, and frugality. CRCIs facilitate gradual transitions toward reduced meat consumption, favoring the intake of plant-based foods, and greater self-efficacy in preparing sustainable meals. These behavioral changes are incremental, motivated by inner reflection, practical experience, and consciousness around alternative economic models. However, the consistent adoption of sustainable eating habits is hindered by cultural and psychological barriers like cultural traditions, entrenched habits, and time constraints. In conclusion, these grassroots initiatives are interesting entry points for engaging citizens in sustainable lifestyles, becoming also gateways to the broader social and solidarity economy movement. Full article

Chronic pain represents a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Pharmacological agents such as opioids, gabapentinoids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used depending on the pain type (nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic), but their use is often limited by adverse effects. Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements have emerged as potential adjuvants to conventional pain management, offering improved safety profiles. This narrative review aims to evaluate the preliminary evidence on the efficacy and safety of selected plant-derived nutraceuticals for pain management. Particular attention is given to a new fixed nutraceutical formulation containing lycopene, sulforaphane (Brassica oleracea), silymarin (extracted from Silybum marianum), reduced glutathione, escin (Aesculus hippocastanum), tryptophan, and green tea (Camellia sinensis). Although this formulation has not yet been evaluated in clinical trials, preliminary data suggest that individual components may target different pain mechanisms. None of the currently available nutraceuticals act comprehensively on all pain types. Additionally, the inclusion of hepatoprotective compounds (e.g., glutathione and silymarin) may be advantageous for patients receiving multiple medications. Current evidence on these nutraceuticals remains limited and primarily preclinical. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in human pain management. Full article

Background: There is a growing gap between the increasing prevalence of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and the limited availability of developmental services. This raises an urgent need for effective and accessible intervention models. Hybrid intervention offers an innovative and practical solution, yet evidence regarding its feasibility and efficacy for children remains limited. This study aimed to adapt an evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) intervention model for remote delivery and to examine its feasibility and preliminary efficacy among children with NDDs. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental pre–post, mixed-methods design, children aged 5–8 years with NDDs were recruited from child development units in southern Israel. The intervention comprised 12–15 weekly video-conference sessions utilizing the Cognitive Orientation to (daily) Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach. Standardized outcome measures assessed feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Focus groups with parents and therapists explored facilitators and barriers to implementation. Results: Of the 26 participants enrolled, 14 children (71% boys) completed the intervention and reported high satisfaction. Clinically significant improvements were observed in personal goal training, reported by both children (80%) and parents (73.68%). Content analysis identified three key themes: parents’ engagement, ecological intervention, and technological literacy. Conclusions: Tele-CO-OP intervention was found to be feasible for children with NDDs and showed potential to improve occupational performance in personal goals. Findings provide a practical foundation for developing hybrid OT services as a valuable complement to in-person care for this growing population. Full article

Impairments of executive function following acquired brain injury including stroke (ABI) contribute significantly to long-lasting everyday difficulties in life. Pilot work on the CO-OP Approach^TM (Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance Approach), a contextualized strategy training intervention, with ABI adults with executive dysfunction showed improved performance on untrained everyday life tasks and cognitive flexibility. Objective: Our objective was to determine the efficacy of the CO-OP Approach relative to usual occupational therapy (UOT) for community-dwelling adult survivors of ABI with executive dysfunction. Methods: Eighty-seven participants were randomized to receive CO-OP (n = 45) or UOT (n = 42) in their homes. All participants identified five personally meaningful, everyday life goals (using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)) and received up to 15 one-hour treatment sessions twice per week. Three goals were trained, and two were untrained. Interventions were provided by occupational therapists registered with their regulatory college. The CO-OP group was trained to apply a meta-cognitive strategy to three goals. The UOT group received therapy based on the clinicians’ (experienced in community settings) determination. Testers were masked to the participants’ group. Analysis at the primary outcome (Post-test, ~10 weeks following baseline) was on an intent-to-treat basis. Results: Participants in the CO-OP group had a mean age of 57.5 years, a mean time post-ABI of 5.3 years, and were 57.8% men. Those in the usual OT group had a mean age of 54.7 years, a mean time post-ABI of 6.2 years, and were 69.0% men. The CO-OP group reported statistically significant higher improvements on COPM performance and satisfaction scores post-test for untrained and trained goals. However, these benefits were not retained at follow-up (three months post-baseline). Conclusions: The CO-OP Approach^TM shows promise for improving performance in everyday life goals for individuals with chronic ABI relative to usual community occupational therapy. Achieving retention of these benefits remains a challenge. Full article

In Yucatán state, Mexico, Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811) is the primary vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The vector population presents diverse forms and colorations. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the morphotypes of T. dimidiata based on the taxonomy of the body and external genitalia. Between March 2023 and April 2025, 902 triatomines from 15 municipalities were examined. Three main morphotypes were characterized (I to III). Morphotype II was the most abundant (62.86%) and most distributed in the study area (12 of 15 municipalities), with a notable presence in forests and caves. Morphotypes I and III were found primarily outside houses and in chicken coops. Within the characterized specimens of T. dimidiata sensu lato, morphotype II displays more prominent morphological and structural characteristics. They are smaller compared to morphotypes I and III. In morphotype II, the spiracles are covered by a black spot that extends from the connexival plate to the urosternites. Males had short and robust parameres. The median process of the pygophore is long and slender compared to morphotypes I and III. The female tergite VIII has six sides. The taxonomy should be complemented by a study of the life cycle of each morphotype and analysis of its genome. Full article

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disorder that significantly affects vision and quality of life. While artificial tears are the standard first-line therapy, their effectiveness is limited by the complex pathophysiology of DED. This study evaluated DayDrop^® Triple Action, a novel formulation combining hyaluronic acid (HA), ectoine, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), designed to enhance tear film stability and ocular surface protection. Physicochemical and rheological properties were assessed, including viscosity, pseudoplasticity, and viscoelastic behaviour under dynamic conditions, along with ectoine release over 24 h. An in vitro allergic conjunctivitis model using conjunctival fibroblasts exposed to a pro-allergic cytokine cocktail was employed to examine immunomodulatory effects. DayDrop^® Triple Action demonstrated high viscosity with pronounced pseudoplasticity and stable viscoelasticity, supporting improved mucoadhesion. The formulation provided sustained ectoine release and exhibited a positive immunomodulatory effect, likely linked to ectoine’s preferential hydration mechanism, which stabilizes membranes and reduces inflammatory signalling. These findings suggest that DayDrop^® Triple Action integrates viscoelastic optimization, osmoprotection, and targeted anti-inflammatory action, offering a promising non-pharmacological strategy for managing DED and allergic ocular surface disorders. Full article

The fan mussel Pinna nobilis is the largest bivalve species in the Mediterranean Sea and provides numerous ecosystem services. It is classified as critically endangered by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) due to severe mass mortality events throughout the Mediterranean. The aims of this work are as follows: (i) to assess the current recruitment potential of the species, (ii) to enhance recruitment by keeping juveniles in controlled conditions before releasing them back into the sea, and (iii) to assess the health status of recruits. In the period 2022–2023, larval collectors were set up in the Gulf of Trieste as part of the LIFE Pinna project. The collected individuals were kept in aquaria in two different facilities under different conditions: (a) a closed system with constant water temperature, live phytoplankton, and commercial food and (b) an open system with ambient seawater temperature and commercial food. A clear temporal and spatial variability in recruitment was observed: 13 recruits were found in 2022 and 50 recruits in 2023. The live specimens were between 0.5 and 8 cm in size upon collection and larger in 2023. The growth and survival rate did not differ significantly between the two systems, but the average monthly growth and survival rate were related to the initial size of the juveniles. Full article

Crosslinked hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are widely used for non-permanent aesthetic enhancement, offering safe and effective solutions for facial volume restoration. Specific formulations are designed for targeted facial regions, with highly crosslinked hydrogels often recommended for volumizing areas such as the jawline, chin, and cheeks due to their structural properties. While elasticity and viscosity are commonly evaluated, broader comparative analyses remain limited. In this study, we assess five commercially available HA-based fillers with similar HA concentrations, all optimised for volume enhancement. Alongside widely used reference products, we evaluate BtHCROSS 2%^®, a novel formulation not previously compared to established fillers. We examined the degree of chemical modification, mechanical viscoelastic behaviour, susceptibility to enzymatic degradation by hyaluronidase, and injection force. While all tested fillers are suitable for volume restoration, BtHCROSS 2%^® demonstrates a distinctive combination of mechanical adaptability, structural support, enzymatic resistance, and low injection force, making it a versatile option for practitioners. Full article

Due to the complex environment of caged chicken coops, uneven illumination and severe occlusion in the coops lead to unsatisfactory accuracy of chicken detection. In this study, we construct an image dataset in the production environment of caged chickens using a head and neck co-annotation method and a multi-stage co-enhancement strategy, and we propose Chicken-YOLO, an occlusion-aware caged chicken detection model based on multi-scale edge information extractor and context fusion for the severe occlusion and poor illumination situations. The model enhances chicken feather texture and crown contour features via the multi-scale edge information extractor (MSEIExtractor), optimizes downsampling information retention through integrated context-guided downsampling (CGDown), and improves occlusion perception using the detection head with the multi-scale separation and enhancement attention module (DHMSEAM). Experiments demonstrate that Chicken-YOLO achieves the best detection performance among mainstream models, exhibiting 1.7% and 1.6% improvements in mAP50 and mAP50:95, respectively, over the baseline model YOLO11n. Moreover, the improved model achieves higher mAP50 than the superior YOLO11s while using only 58.8% of its parameters and 42.3% of its computational cost. On the two specialized test sets—one for poor illumination cases and the other for multiple occlusion cases—Chicken-YOLO’s performance improves significantly, with mAP50 increasing by 3.0% and 1.8%, respectively. This suggests that the model enhances target capture capability under poor illumination and maintains better contour continuity in occlusion cases, verifying its robustness against complex disturbances. Full article

We present a model that integrates the mapping of the phenology and climatic suitability for the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), to provide guidance on when and where to conduct surveillance and management of this highly invasive pest. The model was designed for use in the Degree-Day, Establishment Risk, and Phenological Event Maps (DDRP) platform, which is an open-source decision support tool to help to detect, monitor, and manage invasive threats. We validated the model using presence records and phenological observations derived from monitoring studies and the iNaturalist database. The model performed well, with more than >99.9% of the presence records included in the potential distribution for North America, a large proportion of the iNaturalist observations correctly predicted, and a low error rate for dates of the first appearance of adults. Cold and heat stresses were insufficient to exclude the SLF from most areas of the conterminous United States (CONUS), but an inability for the pest to complete its life cycle in cold areas may hinder establishment. The appearance of adults occurred several months earlier in warmer regions of North America and Europe, which suggests that host plants in these areas may experience stronger feeding pressure. The near-real-time forecasts produced by the model are available at USPest.org and the USA National Phenology Network to support decision making for the CONUS. Forecasts of egg hatch and the appearance of adults are particularly relevant for surveillance to prevent new establishments and for managing existing populations. Full article

The Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a member of the Closterovirus genus, is considered a serious threat to citrus trees grafted onto sour orange (SO) rootstock. In the Mediterranean area, the most prevalent CTV strains are VT and T30. The VT strain includes both mild and severe isolates, some of them associated with seedling yellows (SY) syndrome. Mild CTV-VT isolates that do not induce SY symptoms (no-SY) show minor variations in their Orf1a, p23, and p33 genes, with a single nucleotide polymorphism at position 161 of the p23 gene. These isolates can repress superinfection with homologous severe isolates. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of cross-protection by means of biological indexing, real-time RT-PCR high-resolution melting (HRM), and p23 gene amplicon sequencing. Four no-SY CTV-VT isolates were inoculated onto SO seedlings and Hamlin sweet orange trees grafted on SO. These plants were later challenged with two homologous CTV-VT SY isolates and remained asymptomatic. The biological evaluation of the infection process in superinfected plants was investigated via inoculation of the bark on SO seedlings that were also asymptomatic. A parallel HRM analysis of midvein RNA extracts revealed that the melting temperature (Tm) of the no-SY isolates was statistically lower than that of the SY isolates. The Tm values of RNAs extracts from superinfected plants were not statistically different from those of the no-SY isolates. This suggests that the SY isolates failed to establish infection or replicate in plants pre-inoculated with no-SY isolates. This blockage of replication resembles superinfection exclusion, with attractive perspectives to prevent SY damage in field applications. Full article

The analysis of soil nematode communities provides information on their impact on soil quality and the health of different agricultural cropping systems and soil management practices, which is necessary to evaluate their sustainability. Here, we evaluated the status of nematode communities and trophic groups’ abundance in fifteen fields hosting different cropping systems and managed according to organic or conventional practices. The nematode population densities differed significantly across cropping systems and management types covering various European climatic zones (spanning 121 to 799 individuals per sample). Population density was affected by the duration of the cropping system, with the lowest value in the vegetable cropping system (on average about 300 individuals) and the highest in the long-term fruiting system (on average more than 500 individuals). The occurrence and abundance of the different trophic groups was partly dependent on the cropping system or the management method, particularly for the bacteria, fungal and plant feeders. The taxonomical classification of a subset of samples allowed us to identify 22 genera and one family (Dorylaimidae) within the five trophic groups. Few taxa were observed in all fields and samples (i.e., Rhabditis and Cephalobus), while Aphelenchoides or Pratylenchus were present in the majority of samples. Phosphorus content was the only soil chemical parameter showing a positive correlation with total nematode population and bacterial feeders’ absolute abundance. Based on the nematological ecological indices, all three cropping systems were characterized by disturbed soil conditions, conductive and dominated by bacterivorous nematodes. This knowledge could lead to a choice of soil management practices that sustain a transition toward healthy soils. Full article

Animal-assisted services (AAS) have been shown in multiple studies to improve a range of human psychological and physical health benefits. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate simultaneously two psycho-physiological indicators of the valence of interactions in the context of dog-assisted activities in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Ten children and four dogs experienced in AAS were involved, lasting 90 days, in weekly one-hour sessions. Before and after each session, saliva was taken in both dogs and children for determination of salivary oxytocin and cortisol levels. In addition, at the end of the program, a questionnaire was administered to both parents and dog handlers to assess the impact of AAS in children and dogs. Our results revealed no statistically significant change in cortisol and oxytocin levels in dogs enrolled throughout the sessions, while an increasing trend was noted for salivary oxytocin in 50% of the dogs and for salivary cortisol in all dogs at the end of the AAS, when compared to the pre-AAS. Salivary cortisol measurement in children with an autistic neurotype highlighted a statistically significant increase at the end of the AAS when compared to the pre-AAS, but this was not observed for oxytocin level evaluations. Regarding the perception of the children’s parents about the effects of the program, our data reported an improvement in sociability of the children in 100 percent of the cases. Furthermore, dog handlers reported an absence of signs of stress in their dogs during the sessions. Although the perceived effectiveness and quality of AAS has been demonstrated in the literature, the need to carefully select the dogs involved, considering their skills and needs, is critical to ensure their well-being in various therapeutic settings. Full article